The Official Smarthome Blog – All Things Home Automation

Most standard fire alarms and smoke detectors will not wake up people that suffer from hearing loss or are deaf, providing an extreme challenge when it comes to fire safety. In an effort to assist those with a hearing disability, the Lifetone HL® will detect the alarm sounds given by smoke alarms and smoke alarm systems, and send out loud, low and multiple frequency (520 Hz) alarms which is more effective to awakening and alerting individuals. In addition to the alarm sound, the Lifetone HL will activate the included Lifetone Bed Shaker as a secondary alert. While providing the same features as an ordinary alarm clock, this device can be placed next to a bed or usual nighttime sleeping area and offers added safety in the event of a fire. The clock is designed to be plugged in, however, in the event of a power failure the included batteries will act as a backup (for a minimum of seven days) to ensure you are protected at all times. Protect your loved ones by creating a life-saving environment ideal for those with hearing loss, seniors, children, and heavy sleepers.

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The Visonic Wireless Emergency Panic Button enables people to transmit an emergency call from inside their home even if they are unable to get to or are at some distance from their communication unit. It can be used as a panic alarm on a Visonic Amber® or PowerMax® system, which is ideal for senior citizens or people with physical disabilities. It allows people to answer incoming calls when the telephone is out of reach, when used with a Visonic Amber family system. Additionally, it can be used to activate X-10 devices, such as lights and other home appliances, when used with a Visonic PowerMax family system. An auxiliary sensor can be connected to the device; when the sensor is in an alarm state, it sends an alarm message from its auxiliary channel. It has a large red button that lights for a few seconds when pressed. This makes it visible from most angles and reassures the user that the call has been activated. As a fully supervised device, the panic button is continually monitored. If the battery power becomes too low, the control panel is automatically alerted, enabling timely replacement of batteries to ensure uninterrupted operation. This device is powered by a Lithium Battery 3 Volt (CR-123), included.

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The AMBER SELECTx can be used as the emergency communication center of your system. Using the included pendant transmitter or other optional detectors/transmitters, you can wirelessly contact a Monitoring Center (activation sold separately) or a private phone number of a friend or relative to report the emergency event. The waterproof PERS (Personal Emergency Response System) pendant wireless transmitter lets you signal to the AMBER SELECTx from anywhere in your home when you need emergency assistance. It can be activated by simply pushing its red button to place an emergency call or answer an incoming call. A total of 29 wireless sensors, sold separately, can be used with this system.

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The combination of baluns and inexpensive Cat. 5 cable allow for the distribution of audio, video and power over long distances. The MuxLab VideoEase Analog Audio Balun can be plugged into almost any analog RCA audio source output, and using a second VideoEase Analog Audio Balun (sold separately) plugged into the RCA audio receiver input, you can connect the two A/V components up to 5,000 feet apart. Used in pairs, these small transformers convert audio signals from unbalanced to balanced and vice versa, making the necessary impedance adjustments for audio signal transmission between different wiring systems. They will eliminate costly and bulky coax cable, allowing consumer and commercial audio equipment to be connected using standard wiring techniques. The audio balun features screw terminals and built-in cable strain relief for ease of installation and reliable connectivity. The Audio Balun is housed in a weather resistant case and is compact enough to allow multiple baluns to be mounted adjacent to one another on the back of any audio equipment.

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The Sensaphone 2800 is a powerful monitoring, alarm, and event logging system. It can monitor equipment and environmental conditions using four inputs for hardwired sensors and the ability to connect four wireless sensors from up to 300 feet away; add a wireless repeater to go up to 4000 feet away. It can be programmed to dial out to eight telephone numbers with a user-recordable voice message and has a built-in telephone line seizure. A variety of hardwired and wireless sensors types are available including: temperature, humidity, power failure, motion detection and water sensors. In addition to the wireless sensors, there are also two Wireless Interface modules that allow you to connect to existing equipment or sensors and transmit their status back to the 2800. The Sensaphone 2800 has scalable range capability, built-in power failure detection, sound level monitoring, and one relay output for manual or automatic control of a device. On the front of the unit are LED indicators to show the operating status. With the Sensaphone 2800, you can remotely monitor critical conditions at remote locations on your property without running wires.

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